Words: Zena le Roux | Images: Supplied
Barefoot Baking prides itself on the fact that it uses only the best ingredients and all of its goods are made from scratch with love. Owner Nicole Tanith du Plooy tells us more.
How did your business start?
What started as a passion and a hobby eventually became a small venture where we love to bring your ideas to life. Barefoot Baking was officially launched in June earlier this year with baked goods ranging from breads to cakes, and a few bespoke and handmade, baked ceramics as well.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
Baking from the comfort of my own kitchen in the Pretoria Old East suburb of Waterkloof Ridge enables me to bake and create whenever I get a chance to. I’m currently also working full time, which limits my time in the kitchen, which is why having a home bakery currently is the best option for me.
How did you find your premises?
I grew up in this house and was lucky enough to move in again with my husband about four years ago.
Why are they ideally suited to your business?
Baking at home means that I have the time to experiment and be as creative as possible. It also helps in terms of saving on overhead costs and travelling time.
Who are your neighbours?
We have residential owners as our neighbours.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
The rental and sales prices in this area are quite expensive. We do not pay rent, but instead, we’re paying off the house’s bond.
How many people visit your business each day?
Barefoot Baking is still a young business and we currently operate on about two to three orders per week, mainly comprising cakes, artisanal breads and Banting brownies.
Do you have any expansion plans?
We hope to expand in the near future with a bigger kitchen and client base. The dream is to be able to keep creating one-of-a-kind cakes and bringing our clients’ ideas to life. Barefoot Baking also prides itself in collaborating with other small, local businesses, namely Blank Canvas Studio, The Thyste Traveller, PlayFunFitness & Fitfood with Anri and Dandy Pottery Studios.
Do you operate online as well?
Not currently, but I do have a Facebook page.
What’s your most popular item/service?
Our artisanal marble cake creations, our low-carb and guiltfree Banting brownies, and ceramic coasters are some of our best sellers.
Barefoot Baking
barefoot.baking.info@gmail.com
facebook.com/barefootbaking
